Assigned Seating
My class was having trouble focusing, and people were chatting a lot. Some students complained that they were being distracted. I decied to assign seats, and the class has become better behaved. Was this a good idea, or am I treating them like kids?
Martha,
Some students are just unaware how disrespectful their behavior can be. I make sure assigned seating is an option I reserve, and discuss it on the first day of class and in writing in my syllabus. Some will get the hint after called to their attention. Others won't, and even moving them doesn't stop the distractions. That's where disciplinary action is called for.
Barry Westling
I have pulled students aside in the past and told them that I received complaints from their classmates about their disruption. I continue to mention that these students paid to learn and they have the right to a classroom that promotes learning.
John,
Most students are preparing for a better job or a new career category. They are in school for a purpose, and it's vital that they comply, one way or the other. I try the soft approach (i.e., "good cop") at first. Persistent, continued unsatisfactory behavior will up my degree of action lower my tolerance for this distracting behavior.
Barry Westling
accountable for thier self ,goals ,and respect for others
Jodi,
At some point, students have to become accountable for their behavior. If continued talking or disruptive behavior persists, I take these students aside at a break or after class and give them a firm but sincere directive about their actions, and consequences if the action persists. I never let this discussion end without their acknowledgement of the problem, and their commitment to see it ended. I also add a reinforcement about their purpose and career goals, as a reminder about about why they are attending school in the first place.
Barry Westling
Jeremy,
I also do what Mr. Westling suggests - I reserve the right to assign seating as needed. The problem I have run into is that the talkers still tend to talk, but now, they are on opposite ends of the class which can create even MORE of a disruption. How can we more appropriately handle talkers and assigned seating?
Jeremy,
I've always "reserved the right to assign seating" in my syllabus and on the first day of class. I've exercised it a handful of times, usually preceded with a reminder that I would follow through -- and then did. If adults can't behave as such we have a responsibility to those that do to remove distractions from others who may be chatter bugs, not paying attention, or similar reasons.
Barry Westling
